(to
ALEXAS) Find out where he is, who’s with
him, and what he’s doing. Don’t tell him I sent you. If he’s sad,
tell him I’m dancing. If he’s happy, say that I’ve suddenly taken
sick. Hurry, and come back.

Exit
ALEXAS

ALEXAS
exits.

CHARMIAN

Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,

You do not hold the method to enforce

The like from him.

CHARMIAN

Madam, I think if you love him so much, you aren’t using the best
way to get him to reciprocate.

CLEOPATRA

What should I do I do
not?

CLEOPATRA

What should I do that I’m not doing?

CHARMIAN

In each thing give him way. Cross him in nothing.

CHARMIAN

Always give him his way. Never contradict him.

10

CLEOPATRA

Thou teachest like a fool the way to lose him.

CLEOPATRA

You advise me like a fool. That’s the way to lose him.

CHARMIAN

Tempt him not so too far. I wish, forbear.

In time we hate that which we often fear.

CHARMIAN

Don’t push him too far. I wish you’d be patient. We come to hate
that which controls us.

Enter ANTONY

ANTONY enters.

But here comes Antony.

But here comes Antony.

CLEOPATRA

I am sick and
sullen.

CLEOPATRA

I am sick and sullen.

ANTONY

I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose—

ANTONY

I’m sorry to have to say this—

15

CLEOPATRA

Help me away, dear Charmian! I shall fall.

It cannot be thus long. The sides of nature

Will not sustain it.

CLEOPATRA

Help me away from here, dear Charmian! I shall faint. I won’t be
able to go on this way much longer. Human nature isn’t built to
withstand this.